Packing machine



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' PACKING MACHINE 7 y Filed Feb. 23, 1955 9 sheets-smet 1 Dec. 21, 1931.

A. NOVOTNY PACKHG CHINE Filed Feb. 23, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 A. NOVOTNY PACKING MACHINE ll/lll/IllIIl/l/ Filed Feb. 23, 1935 Dec.. 21, 1937.

A. NOVOTNY Dec. 21, 1937.

PACKING MACHINE Filed Feb. 23. 1955 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Voll/yp ATTORNEY.

PACKING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 23, 1935 Q Q 0N Q\ om w 0 .W 1- w1 M] m E 7 u V@ 3 w @www W w ww S INVENTOR. 74025)? //Ovon/x ATTORNEY.

A. NOVOTNY PACKING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheetl vFiled Feb. 23, 1935 a m L:T R w? o t wwf m O I o O W m n ai fo. 4 W E 1 2 u .w m

Dec. 2l, 1937.

A. NovoTNY PACKING MACHINE Filed Fb. 23, 1935 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 ,www ,A

fr@ m A. NOVOTNY Dec. 21, 1937.

PACKING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 25, 1935 fIEl/E R. y.v o w E www/.m EO .O Vv W WNO A a ai /s 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 A. NOVOTNY .PACKING MACHINE Filed Feb. 23, 1935 Dec. 21, 1937.v

Paiemeanee 21, 1937 "UNITED STAT-Es PATENT vOFFICE.

Anton Novotny, Detroit, Mich., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Tivoli Brewing Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation Application February 23, 1935, Serial No. 7,739

24 Claims.

This invention relates to` improvements in packing machines, and refers more particularly to such a mechanism for depositing packages into shipping` cases.

It is lan object of the invention to provide a packing mechanism wherein a plurality of packages are moved into position opposite a chute, and are automatically discharged onto a platform beside the chute as soon as a predetermined -number of packages are opposite the platform;

feed-members adjacent thereto by which packages are passed along the'conveyor towards that portion of the latter across which a slide operates f totransfer -the packages towards a chutewhen the slide is not in operation; and wherein the feed members function as stops to -prevent the passage of packages past them during the movement of the slide.

Another object of the invention is to provide a packing ymachine wherein a slide operates transversely of a conveyor to move packages upon the latter onto a platforml so that other packages f already thereupon are moved by the rst named packages over 'a chute; and wherein-a yoke operates with the slide and is provided with contact members" which support and steady Athe other packages being moved over the chute on' their sides opposite those against which pressure is exerted by the packages being delivered by the slide onto` the platform. Moreover the contact members also tendv to prevent the accidental movement of the other packages over the chute when the slide is' not in'oper'ation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a packing mechanism wherein packages are delivered down a chute into shipping cases beneath them, and wherein 'automatic means are provided -for holding vertical partitions in'the shippingl cases upright so that they do not interfere with the loading of packages; the autof matic means being so designed and coordinated that it lmoves into its partition contacting position prior to delivery of the packages and is auto- A of Michigan DEC 1939 matically withdrawn after delivery; thus the automatic meansin no movement of the shipping cases beneath the chute.

Having thus broadly and briefly enumerated a few of the major purposes and advantages of the invention I now proceed toA describe a preferred embodiment thereof with .the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the invention.

Figure 2 is a section on the line 2---2v of Figure 1. I

Figure 3 is a sectional view `on the line 3-3 of Figure 2 showing the feed member arrangement and a portion of the drive for the lower con- 'I Figure 4 is any enlarged sectional lview on the Wise interferes with thel line 4-,4 of Figure 1 showing the counter control for the slide mechanism.

Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 5-5'of Figure 2 showing the counter and coacting parts', and the arrangement on the lower conveyor for rendering-the counter control inoperative.

Figure 6 is an enlarged section on the line 6-6 of Figure 1. y

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 6 but with the other cooperating clutch parts engaged.

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8--8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is an enlarged section on the line 9--9 of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is an enlarged partial plan view showing the slide in advanced position.

Figure 11 is a section on the line II-Il of Fig- -ure 10.

Figure 12.'i's van enlarged plan of. one form of partition spreader for holding the partitions in the shipping cases upright.

Figure y13 is a section on the line i3-I3 of Figure 2.` l

Figure 14 is a partial` plan of the lower conveyor. f

mounted upon a spindle 3 supported in bearings 4 provided upon a base 5. Secured to the faces of the sprocket 2 are friction discs 6 and 1.- Fastened to the spindle 3 adjacent the disc 1 is a friction plate 8, and axially movable upon the said spindle adjacent the disc 6 is a second friction plate 9. Fixed around the spindle 3 adjacent the plate 9 is a flange I0. Formed in the adjacent faces of the latter and of the plate -9 are registering apertures II and I2 respectively each opposed pair of which house the extremities of a helical spring I3. These springs hold the friction plate 9 in contact with the disc 6 and at the same time exert sufficient pressure upon the sprocket 2 to retain the disc 1 in firm contact with the friction plate 8. Thus under normal conditions rotation of the sprocket 2 causes rotation of the spindle 3.

Mounted in bearings I4 provided upon the base 5 is a second spindle I5 in alignment with the spindle 3. Mounted upon adjacent extremities of the spindles 3 and I5, which are spaced from one another, are cooperating clutch parts I6 and I1 respectively. 'Ihe clutch part I1, and a sleeve I8 integral with it, are axially slidable upon the second spindle I5. Between the bearings I4 a gear I9 is secured around the spindle I5, and arranged around the latter between the sleeve I8 and the adjacent bearing I4 is a thrust ring assembly 20. Resting against the latter vis a collar 2I having openings formed therein parallel with its axis to receive springs 22 the opposite extremities of which extend into openings 23 formed in the adjacent face of the sleeve I8. Thus the .springs 22 tend to force the sleeve I8 and clutch part I1 from the position shown in Figure 6to that shown in Figure '7; that is they tend to force the clutch part I1 into engagement with the clutch part IB. Upon the periphery of the sleeve I8 is a cam 24; and integral with the said sleeve a flange 25 is provided around the sleeve extremity adjacent the collar 2I. The purpose and operation of the cam 24 and flange 25 is hereinafter set forth.

Freely mounted on the extremity of the spindle 3 remote from the spindle I5 is a sprocket wheel 26 having a plurality of openings lformed therethrough parallel with the spindle axis. Fixed on the spindle 3 is a clutch plate 21, and freely mounted and axially movable along the said spindle is a second and cooperating clutch plate 28. Projecting laterally from the latter are a plurality of drive pins 3D which extend into the sprocket openings 29 so that when the clutch plates 21 and 28 are in engagement, as shown in Figure 6, rotation of the spindle 3 causes rotation of the sprocket 2li-through the said clutch plates and the driving pins 30. Obviously when the clutch plates 21 and 28 are disengaged, as shownin Figure 7, the plate 28 and the sprocket 26 remain stationary.

. 3| denotes a shaft parallel with the spindle 3 and supported in bearings 32 for axial movement.v

Secured towards the extremities ofthe shaft 3| are shifter yokes 33 and 34 which engage circular grooves 35 and 36 formed in the clutch plate 28 and sleeve I8 respectively. The engagement of the clutch parts I6 and I1 c an only occur as and when the clutch plates 21 and 28 are disengaged and vice versa. Secured around the shaft 3I between the bearings 32 is fa washer 31, and between one of the bearings 32 and the washer a spring 38 is provided which urges the shaft 3'I axially in the direction to disengage the clutch plates 21 and 28 and move the clutch parts I6 and I1 into engagement.

A rest 39 is provided upon the base 5, and is, in the present instance formed integral with the latter. The upper face of the rest is longitudinally slotted throughout its entire length as shownlat 40; and through this slot the upper side of theconveyor chain I extends. upon the top of the rest 39 on opposite sides of the slot 4D are a guideo4I and a platform 4Ia, the upper surfaces of which are in horizontal alignment'. Formed inthe adjacent edge faces of the guide 4I and platform 4Ia are ways 42 to receive and guide the conveyor supporting attachments Ia, the tops of which are substantially in alignment with the upper surfaces of the said guide and platform. l

A chute 43, which in the present instance is also integral with the base 5 and rest 39,v is positioned parallel with the conveyor chain I and spaced therefrom. This chute is enclosed by vertical walls and is divided into a plurality of com- Mounted partments 44 by vertical partitions 45 extending.

at right angles to the conveyor chain. A pen 46 is provided upon the top of the chute 43 and constitutes an upwardextension thereof. The rear and end walls of the pen coincide with the rear and end walls of the chute 43, but the pen end lwalls also project forwardly over the platform 4Ia and terminate adjacent the conveyor chain I. The side of the pen adjacentv the conveyor is also open. Vertical partitions 41 formed integral with the pen 46 also extend forwardly from its rear wall and coincide with the chute partitions these partitions 41 however also extend over the platform 4 Ia and terminate adjacent the conveyor chain I. ,Thus the pen is divided into compartments 48 the rear portions of which coincide with the chute compartments 44. A bumper 49 is secured to, and extends laterally from, the'end wall of the pen 46 adjacent the tail sprocket 2 and projects across the conveyor chain I to limit the travel of packages A thereupon.

Mounted for transverse reciprocation upon the guide 4I and supported also upon a rear guide 65 is a slide 58 having a vertical pusher 5I thereon which normally rests adjacent and parallel with the conveyor chain-II. The rear guide 65 is, in the present instance, secured to a bracket I2I which extends upwardly from, and may be formed integral with, the base 5. 52 denotesa laterally disposed stop extending from the extremity of the pusher 5I remote from the tail sprocket 2 so that when the slide is moved across the conveyor chainin a manner hereinafterdescribed the stop positively prevents the delivery of packages upon the conveyor past the stop.

Behind the rearl wall of the pen 46 a yoke 53 is provided from which a plurality of contact members 54 extend forwardly through openings formed in the rear pen wall, one substantially centrally of each pen compartment 48. Projecting laterally from the extremity of the yoke 53 adjacent the tail sprocket 2 is a telescopic arm 55 the opposite end of which is secured to a yoke 53 and members 54 to move rearwardly by regu* permitting elongation of the telescopic `arm if 4 brace 56 carried by the slide 58. A spring 51 the length of the latter, and permits the undue pressure is exerted against the' said members 54.

v Rotatablyjsupportedin 'suilgble'bearir'xgsS and y 59 providedf upon the basefSrfi-s asliaftll.

tween the said shaft and the spindle I5,` and parallel with them, a stub shaft `6| is mounted in a bearing 62.' Fixed upon the shaft 60 is a gear 03 driven from the gear |9 through an intermediate gear 64 upon the stub shaft 6|.l Extending downwardly from 'the slide 50 through a slot 85a formedin the rear guide 65 is a pin fwhich engages a groove formed in a cam 61 mounted sprocket 12 mounted upon a shaft 13 which also has another sprocket 14 thereon, and at its ex-v tremities the chain passes around conventional tail sprockets (not shown). The sprocket 14 is driven through a chain 15 from a sprocket 16 mounted upon a shaft 11 which'extends laterally beyond the conveyor and has a wheel 10 thereon from which a plurality of spokes 18a, 18h and 18cfradiate. It will be noted that the spokes 18h and 18e are disposed at greater angularity to one arther than the spokes 18a. Moreover the spokes 18h and 10c are each spaced at the same inclination to its adjacent spoke 10a as the latter are from one another for a purpose hereinafter set forth.

Mounted in bearings 19 depending from thev base 5 is a horizontal shaft 80' which is suitably driven from the cam shaft 60 through a chain 8| and sprockets 92 and 83 mounted upon the shafts 60 and 80 respectively. Rotatably sup- .ported in a bearing 84 upon the base 5 and in a second bearing-85 provided upon the subbase 80 is a vertical spindle 81.' ',I'he latter is driven through bevel gears88 and 89 upon the shaft 80 and spindle 8 1 respectively. Provided upon the lower extremity of the latter is a radial trip 90.

Each spoke 18a, 18h and 18e is contacted suc- I cessively by the trip 90 when the spindle 81 turns,

so-that each revolution of the said spindle causes partial rotation of the shaft 11 and advances the chain 10 a predetermined distance. As viewed from Figure 13 the wheel 18 turns in a clockwise direction, and, owing to the greater spacing of the spokes 18h and 18e from one another, the wheel ,y ,is turned through a greater angle when the spoke 818e is engaged by the trip 90. i

Packing or shipping cases B are placed upon the lower conveyor, and are moved bythe carriers 1| beneath the chute 4-3 for lling. The.

.. carriers .are so spaced that each case follows 5 closely behindA the one ahead of it. AThe shipping cases 'are usually divided into vertical comparti .\mentsby partitions C, and the length of travel of'the chain 10 each time the spindle 81 is turned is such that atmthe completion of each chain 4movement another-row of compartments is positioned squarely beneath the chute compartments 44. Itwill-also be noted that itis necessary to move'the chain 10 a greater distance after the last row of-compartments in each case has been lled to compensate for the greater'gdistance from the transverse center line through 'thelast row of compartments in one case to the transverse center line through the first rowin'the next case, which occurs due to the two thicknesses ofthe end walls, of the two' cases -plus any 'slight spacthat reason greater travel is providedwhen the i spoke 18e is moved by the trip 90. It will also I be noted that the total number of spokes 18a,

18h and 18e must beequal to the' number of transverse rows of compartments in the shipping` cases B.

Supported in bearings 9| and 92 upon the base 5 is a horizontal shaft 93 which extends between the upper and lower portions of the conveyor chain and has a sprocket 94 mounted upon one extremity. The latter is 'driven from thesprocket `26vby a chain 95. 96 denotes runways'for the conveyor supporting attachments la prior to their reaching the guide 4| and platform 4|a. Upwardly from the runways 96 retaining walls 91 extend adjacent the. margins of the supporting attachments 'ia to prevent packages upon the latter from spilling.

Mounted upon outwardly projecting portions of these runways and extending vertically therethrough are opposed ing there may be' between the two cases. For

spindles 98 each of which has a bevel gear 99 on its lower extremity which meshes with a bevel gearv |00 upon the shaft 93. These bevel gears,

99- and |00 are so arranged that the spindles 90 rotate in opposite directions. Loosely mounted upon ther spindles 98 are opposed feed members |0| which project through apertures formed in the walls 91 and extend partly over the conveyor supporting attachments la.

The peripheries of' the members 0| are so formed that as they are turned in opposite directions packages A being transported by the4 conveyor are engaged between them and advanced towards the tail sprocket' 2. At the upper exV tremities of the spindles 98 nuts |02 are provided and between the latter and the feed members helical springs |03 are arranged. Through the latter friction is,ex erted upon the members so that. packages engaged betweenA them are advanced when the spindles-98 are rotated. The frictional engagement of these springs, however, is such that inthe event that other packages already occupy the entirespace upon the conveyor supporting attachments la between the members I0| and the bumper 49, the feed mem-- bers will remain stationary and not force other packages onto the already fully occupied portionof the conveyor and damage some of the packages in so'doing.A The frictional grip of the springs |03 however is sufficient to prevent rotation of the members |0| by packages travelling with and upon the conveyor when the spindles 98 are not turning; so that then the members |0| function as stops for the packages.

Extending through the runway 98 immediately infront of the slide 50, and rotatably mounted in the guide4| and rest 39, is a vertical spindle |04 having a counter` |05 thereon having radial arms |06 so positioned that each time a package upon the conveyor passes the counter is turned through a portion of a revolution. Mounted in suitable bearings |01 and |08 upon the base 5 is a shaft |09 having a gear ..I|0 thereon which meshesvwith agear on the vertical spindle |04. The gearing ||0 and l|| and the number of radial arms |09 upon the counter are so proportioned that the shaft |09\has completed one revolution when the number of packages which l have passed the counter is equal to the number of compartments 48 in the pen 46." In other words each time the shaft |09, has completed one revolution there is a package opposite eachy of the compartments 48.

Fixed on the shaft |09 is a cam H2. Pivotal!! mounted upon a pin I I 3 projecting from the guide extension 65 is a lever I I4 one extremity of which projects beneath the cam ||2 and is adapted to be depressed thereby.

Vertically movable in .spaced bearings ||5 carried by a bracket upon the base 5 is an actuating rcd I1 around which an annular groove I I8 is formed intermediately of its length.l The extremity of the lever I4 remote from the cam ||2 is bifurcated and engages the groove ||8 so that pivotal movement of the lever moves the rod ||1 vertically. A weight IIS is provided upon the upper extremity of the rod ||1, and a disc-like element |20 is arranged on its lower extremity.

'I'he element |20 is normally held down upon the periphery of the sleeve I8 and against the wide portion of the sleeve cam 24, as shown in Figure 6, by the weight H9. However as soon as the shaft has been turned through one complete revolution by rotation of the counter |05, the cam |I2 moves the lever ||4 pivotally and raises the rod II1. Then the cam 24 is disengaged and the springs 22 and 38 move the clutch parts I6 and I1 into engagement, at which time the clutch plates 21 and 28 are disengaged through the shifters 33 and 34.

Rotation is then imparted to the spindle I by the'tail sprocket 2 and spindle 3. Then'the cam shaft 60, and through it the shaft 80 are rotated through the gear I9. The shaft 80 advances the conveyor chain 10 and the shipping cases B thereon in the manner already described;

Q and due to the formation of the cam 61 upon the shaft 60, movement of the slide 50 does not occur until the said conveyor chain 10 has completed its movement. The gears I9 and 63 are of course so proportioned that one revolution of the former imparts one revolution to the latter. Further after a shipping case B has again been correctly positioned beneath the chute 43 packages A upon the conveyor attachments Ia opposite the slide 50 are moved by the latter onto the platform 4 la, and other packages already upon the platform are moved by the rst packages over the chute 43.

, Meanwhile, as already stated, movement of thel slide 50 also results in corresponding movement of the contact members 54, so that the packages being moved over the chute are supported-between the said members 54 and the packages just leaving conveyor so that they are thus held vertical.

As soon as the counter |05 is again turned by the next passing package, which usually occurs as soon as the slide 50 has returned to its normal position and the passage of the package is no longer obstructed by the stop 52, the cam ||2 is rotated sufficiently to allow the extremity of the lever .|.I4 beneath it to rise, and for the element '|20 to drop onto the periphery of the sleeve I 0. Then as the latter continues to rotate, the element contacts the inclined edge face 24a of the cam 24 and moves the sleeve axially against the tension of the springs 22 and 38, thereby disengaging the coupling parts I6 and I1 and re-engaging the coupling plates 21 'and 28 through the Shifters 33 and 34. The collar 25 limits the inward movement of the clutch part I1 by Contact of the disc-like element |20 therewith whenn the latter is raised.

. .The alternating arrangement already described, whereby the sprocket 2G or the gear I9 is turned, is provided so that when the cam Slis not being actuated and the. slide 50 is in the position shown in Figures 1 and 5, some of the packages A are fed towards the extremity of the conreturned to its initial position shown in Figure 1. I

This stop is preferably so positioned relative to the counter |05 that rotation of the latter cannot occur when the slide is inthe position shown in Figures 10 and 11. It will however be seen that rotation of the counter is anticipated prior to the completion of one revolution of the cam shaft 60 and must occur to halt the reciprocation of the slide and the intermittent movement of the lower conveyor. Disengagement of the clutch parts I6 and I1 and re-engagement of the clutch plates 21 and 28, only occurs through engagement of the element |20 with the cam 24 upon completion of one revolution of the spindle I5, and this occurs Idropped to its bottom position.

In order to prevent the cam ||2 moving to its bottom position and turning the lever I I4 so that movement of the slide 50 and conveyor chain 10 results when no shipping case is in position beneath the chute 43 a safety lock is provided, Which is shown in Figures 5, 14, and l5. A horizontal rod |22 is axially slidable in a bearing |23 provided upon the subbase 86.v One extremity of the rod 22 is provided with a vertically elongated slot |24 through which a coupling pin |25 extends. Rotatably mounted transversely of the conveyor 68 is a shaft |26 on one extremity of which an arm |21 is secured. Through the outer extremity of this armthe pin |25 extends; and fixed on the shaft |26 on one side of the conveyor chain 10 and adjacent thereto is an element |28. Around the rod |22 on the other side of'the bearing |23, a spring |29 is arranged which extends between the said`bearing and a collar |30 xed around the rod. 'Ihis spring tends to move the latter so that the distance between the bearing and the collar is increased. Beyond the collar' a suitable handle |3I is provided upon the rod to permit ready manual movement thereof.

Intermediately of .the length of the rod |22 an inclined face |32 is formed on its upper side; and supported upon the face |32 is the lower extremity. ofy a vertical rod |33 which is also supported in the bearing |23. Secured to the upper extremity of the rod 33 is an arm |34 from the upper face of which a locking pin |35 projects that is adapted to extend above the top of the base portion 5a through which it is vertically movable.

When the element |28 is depressed and the shaft |26 is turned, the arm |21 is moved into the position shown in Figure 5, and the rod |22 is moved axially against the tension of the spring |29. Then the vertical rod |33 rests upon the low extremity of the inclined face |32 and consequently the rod |33 is in its bottom position. At that time the top of the locking pin |35 is substantially flush with the top of the base portion 5a so that the lever ||4 may be turned by the cam ||2. As soon as a shipping case passes 01T the'element |28 and it is no longer depressedy the spring I 29 causes the horizontal rod |22 move axially thereby raising the element to its position |28a indicated ,in Figure 5. During this 7 .Y 2,102,640 l v movement oi the rod |22 the inclined face |32 travels beneath the lcwer extremity of the vertical rod |33 andraises the latter so that the locking pin |35 moves into a position immediately beneath the lever' ||4 and prevents the latter being turned by the cam H2.

Consequently the passage of the required num-` ber of packages'A past the counter |05 will not causereciprocation of the slide 50 unless there is a shipping case beneath the chute 43, because 'the camV I2 and its shaft |09 cannot rotate when thellever ||4 ls'heldvimmovable by the locking pin |35. Again when' the cam H2 is thus-held against further rotation the counter also cannot turn, therefore there is no danger of more than the desired number yof packages passing the 'counter between each reciprocation of the slide. In orderto hold the shipping cases B against Atransverse movement upon the conveyor 68 and insure the compartments in the cases passing squarely beneath the chute compartments 44 guide rails-|36 are preferably provided upon' the said conveyor. c

f Further relative to thesafety lock mechanism- Just described, it will be noted that in the 'drawings the element |28 is not located directly be' neath the chute 43 but somewhat on one side. It is however obvious that by lengthening the' rod, (|22 the said element -may be arranged squarely under the chute when such positioning is` required. As previously stated the shipping cases B into l which the packages are packed may be provided with partitions C to divide -them into separate compartments each of which is intended to receive a separate package. The cases are frequently made of relatively li'ght,l exible material and the partitions ofV even lighter stock;` again, the partitions are frequently only loosely arranged in the cases and are therefore to some extent movable therein. I therefore find it necessary to provide meansfor holding the vertical 1 sides of the cases and/or the partitions upright and' squarely positioned beneath the chute to insure proper delivery of the packages.

In Figures 11 and 12 an arrangement issh'own for holding shipping case sides and particularly the partitions therein upright during the delivery of 4packages into the cases, when the partitions extend substantially to the tops of the cases.v A frame |31 is secured beneath the chute 43 and is transversely divided by cross bars |38 each .of which is positioned beneath one of the chute partitions 45. Pivoted upon each cross bar |38 and normally extending one towards each side are two straightening 'arms |33. A similar straightening arm |39a is also pivotally mounted on eachlongitudinalv portion of the frame |31 on each side of eachcross lbar |38. Springs |4|la normally hold the arms |39-and |39a horizontal against ears '|40 `fixed upon the frame.l These4 ears are soarranged that each limits the upward 'swing of a plurality of straightening arms.

From Figure 11 it will belnoted that each; time a package is dropped down a chute compartment 44 a setofstraightening arms |33 andv |3911 is contacted by the package and moved pivotally downwards, thereby' moving the partitions C into a substantially upright position squarely 'beneath the chute' compartment 45. Again 'when the arms |39 and 39a are normally horizontally vdisposed neither they nor the frame. |31 in any iway interfere with the free passage of carses B on the conveyor 68. 'l In Figures. 16

' extremities are lowered they move l stantially vertical position any partitions C C.

partitions is shown for holding the shipping case substantially upright during loading and is particularly applicable when the height of the parltitio'ns is materially less than that `of the sides of the shipping cases. y

In this arrangement neither the chute |43 nor its upward extension or pen I 46 hasvany partitions dividing its interior. .Vertically movable in the chute |43 and pen |46 is a cage I4I. The

lower portionof this cage which normally rests within the chute |43 is closed on all sides, whereas the front of the upper portion of the cage normally within the pen |46 is open. The cage throughout its entire height is 4divided by transverse walls |42 which correspond with the chute -tical slots |41. Extending outwardly from the extremities of the cage |4| through the slots |41 are pins |43. Extending across the top of the cage |4-| at suflicient height to clear the top of the pen |46 when the lformer is lowered in a manner hereinafter set forth iis' a yoke |48, the

downturned extremities ofwhich are apertured for the passage of -the pins |43 therethrough exteriorly of the pen. y

' Pivoted on the bearing |44 is a bellcrank |56 the `outer extremity of 'one arm |5| of which is slotted for the passage of one of the pins |49 therethrough, while the outer extremity of the other arm |52 is pivoted to one extremity of a link |53. The other extremity of the latter is pivotally -connected to. the standard |45, and, in the present instance the link |53 is provided with a conventional lost motion connection irlcluding a slot of the bellcrank arm |52. Secured to the inner faces cf the cage |4| and the' partitions |42 'are opposed pairs of leaf springs i 54 the free xtremi- |53a in order to shorten the length ties of which are'somewhat inwardly exed and the cage |4| to its position |4|a.` The movement of the cage is preferably such position the cage is spaced above the partitions CC, Figure 17, while the springs |54 extend belowthe upper margins ofthese partitions. Thus it will be seen that as the inwardly flexed spring into a subwhich are inwardly inclined and restrict the openings into thecompartmentswhich they define, and the Weight of the fallingy packages v straightens out the exed spring extremities sufciently for the packages to dropginto their compartments. 4

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the conveyor imparts the drive to the entire machine, so that the latter only operates when .the conveyorv is in use. the movements of thepacking machine are actuated through the friction drive imparted tothe tail sprocket 2 the entire' stop in case of an accidenty spindle 3 from the mechanism is free to occurring suchas a package A falling transversely across-the platform 4|a. and preventing rethat in its bottomy '65 Again since all ciprocation of the slide 50unless the packageA ,i V- 4 -is crushed; l l and 17 a m'odin'ed arrangement Again should the counter |05 be somewhat hard to turn it might act as a stop to prevent continued movement of. the packages A with the conveyor I; the feed members |02 however prevent such an occurrence because they positively move the packages with the conveyor and would exert enough pressure upon a row of packages extending between them and the counter to turn the latter under all norman conditions.

j While in Athe foregoing the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, it is understood that the construction is susceptible to such further alterations and modications as fall within the. scope of the appended claims.

i 5 What I claim is:

1. In a mechanism of the character described. the combination of a chute open at all times for packages to droptherethrough, a slide to deliver the packages thereinto, feeding means for transporting the packages within the range of the slide, a portion of the feeding means extending between the normal position of the slide and the chute, and means for checking. the movement of the packages as they are delivered to the chute by the slide.

2. In a packing mechanism, the combination of conveying means for transporting packages, a chute adjacent one side thereof and open at all times 'for the packages to drop therethrough, a slide normally vpositioned on the other side thereof opposite the chute, means reciprocating the slide across the conveying means to plow the packages oi the latter, and means cooperative with the slide for checking the movement of the packages as they are deliveredto the Achute by the slide.

3. In a packingvmachine, the combinaiton of conveying'means for transporting'packages, a chute open at all times for the packages to drop through on one side of the conveying means, a vslide normally positioned adjacent the other side of the conveying means opposite the chute, means actuated by movement of the conveying means reciprocating the slide across the conveying means and plowing the packages off the latter, and yieldable means for checking the movement of the packages as they are transferred from the conveying means to the chute by the plowing action of the slide.

-4. A packing mechanism comprising a conveyor on which packages are adapted to be transported, a chute open 'at all times for the packages to drop therethrough on one side of the conveyor, a stationary platform between the conveyor and the chute on which other packages are directly supported, and a slide normally posi-` tioned on the other side of the conveyor and mounted for reciprocaticn across the latter to push the packages thereupon onto the platform, this package movement forcing the other packages off the platform into the chute.

5. A packing mechanism comprising a chute, a slide adapted to deliver packages laterally thereinto, and means actuated by the final movement of the slide for holding the sides of a shipping case beneath the chute substantially vertical during the delivery of the packages down the chute and into the case.

6. A mechanism comprising a chute, a slide to deliver packages intermittently thereinto, means operating in alignment with the' slide supporting the sides of the packages remote from said slideduring its movement; a conveyor extending beneath thechute to carry shipping cases tf', receive the packages dropped there.

through, conveying means transporting the packages into position adjacent the slide, means controlled by the passage of the packages along the conveying means for actuating the conveyor and slide, means for stopping movement of the packages on the conveying means during operative movements of the slide, and means preventing the functioning of the conveyor and slide actuating means adapted to be released by shipping cases upon the conveyor. v

7. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination of a chute, a reciprocating slide for pushing packages thereinto, means operating in alignment with the slide supporting the sides of the packages remote from said slide during its movement, a conveyor extending beneath the chute to carry shipping cases to receive the packages dropped therethrough, and means for moving the conveyor intermittently between each slide movement.

8. In a mechanism, the combination set forth in claim '1, wherein means are provided for advancing the 'conveyor a greater distance than usual at regular intervals after the complete lling of each shipping case.

9, A packing mechanism including -a convey- -ing means for transporting packages, a chute down which the packages drop, a slide opposite the chute mounted for reciprocation across the conveying meansy to plow the packages off the latter, and means moving with the slide supporting the sides of the packages remote from the slide as they move over the' chute.

10. A packing mechanism including a conveying means for transporting packages, a chute, a platform between the conveying means and the chute, a slide reciprocated across the conveying means for transferring the packages from the latter onto the platform, the movement of said packages being adapted to force other packages already upon the platform 'over the chute, and means moving with the slide supporting said other packages during their movement over the chute.

11. A mechanism of the character described comprising a continuously travelling conveyor, a movable slide driven by the conveyor for plowing packages off-a portion of the conveyor,`feed members also driven by the conveyor and located adjacent another portion of said conveyor to positively move the packages upon the conveyor towards the slide, and means actuating the slide and feed members alternately.

12. A mechanism of the character described comprising a conveyor, a movable slide for plowing packages off a portion thereof, rotary means controlled by the passage of the packages onto that portion of the conveyor over which the slide operates for actuating the slide, and feed members adjacent the conveyor adapted to positively advance the packages along the conveyor to turn the rotary means.

13. A mechanism of the character described comprising a 4chute open at al1 times for packages to drop therethrough, a conveyor to carry the packages towards ,the'chute, means for transferring the packages from the conveyor to the chute, means movable in alignment with the transfer means for steadying the packages as they are moved over the chute, a lever, means operated by the passage of the packages within the range of the transferring means for moving the lever, and means actuated by movement of the lever for moving the transferring means.

14. A mechanism of the character described,

termittently positioning shipping cases beneath y thechute, means controlling the operation of the first named conveyor and the package transfer means, a pivotally supported lever controlling the last named means, means for locking the lever against movement whenever a shipping case is not in position beneath the chute and thereby prevent the operation of the first named conveyor and the package transfer means, means for releasing the locking means to free the lever upon the'positioning of a shipping case beneath the chuteand means for actuating the lever upon its release from `the locking means to restore the first named conveyor and the package transfer means to operative condition.

15. The mechanism as set forth in claim 14, Lwherein thelocking means for thelever is controlled by a trip member which is adapted to be. actuated by a shipping case positioned beneath the chute for the release of the lever from its control of the package conveyor and the transfer means. v

i6. A mechanism of the character described .comprising a chute down which packages drop, a conveyor to carry the packages towards the chute, means for transferring the packages from the conveyor to the chute, a lever, means operated by the passage of the'packages within the range of the transfer means for moving the lever, and means actuated by movement of the lever for moving the transfer means, in combination with a second conveyor extending beneath the chute..

and a trip adjacentthe second conveyor normally preventing movement of the lever, said trip being adapted to be moved to release the lever by a shipping case upon the second conveyor.

v1'7. A mechanism of the character comprising a chute down which packagesdrop, 'a

rconveyor to carry the packages towards the chute,

means for transferring the packages from the l' 4conveyor tothe chute, a lever, means operated by the passage of the packages within the range of the transferl means for moving .the lever, and means actuated by movement of the lever. for

moving thetransfer means, in combination with' a second conveyor extending -beneath the chute, and means for moving said second conveyor controlled by movement of the lever.

18. In a mechanism ofthe character described, the combination of a travelling conveyor including a tail sprocket, a slide'mounted for reciprocation across the conveyor to move packages of! the latter, a rotary counter turned by the packages as they pass along upon the conveyor, means including alever adapted to be actuated by the counter I controlling actuation of the slide,- other rotary -means adjacent the conveyor for insuringthat packages upon the conveyor move with the latter' towards the counter, a spindle, ated -by the spindle and controlled'by the lever alternately turning the rotaryaneans 'and reciprocating the slide.

19. Inv an' arrangement of the character de\ scribed comprising a conveyor including a tail sprocket, a slide mounted for reciprocation acrossV the conveyor, a. chuteaddacent'a portion of the 4 conveyor into which packages are delivered from the latter by the siide,.a' second conveyor includa driven sprocket wheel extending beneath the 4 and means actu.-

chute, a shaft on which-the, sprocket wheel is mounted, a spindle driven by, the rotation ofthe tail sprocketvof the first named conveyor, a radial trip on said spindle,and projecting members on said shaft contacted by said trip `so that upon each revolution of the spindle the second conveyor is moved a predetermined distance.

20. In a mechanism of the character described,

the combination of a chute open at all times for packages to drop therethrough, a slide to deliver the packages into the chute, feeding means for transporting the packages within the range of the slide, av portion of the feeding means extending between the normal position of the slide and the chute, means for checking the movement of the packages as they are delivered to the chute by the slide, and means automatically engaging the sides f shipping cases beneath thechute and holding them substantially vertical during delivery of the packages through the chute. A

2 1. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination of a chute open at all times for packages to drop therethrough, a slide to deliver the packages into the chute, feeding means for transporting the packages within the range of the slide, a portion of the lfeeding means extending between the normal position of the slide and the chute, means 'for checking the movement 'of the packages as they are delivered to the chute by loading position beneath the chute, and means described actuated by the nal movement of the slide for moving the cage vertically to engage the sides of the shipping cases and hold them substantially vertical during the delivery of the packages down the chute into the cases.

23. In a mechanism on the character described, the `combination of a travelling conveyor including a tail sprocket, a slide mounted foi-'reciprocation across the conveyor to move packages off the latter, a rotary counter .turned bythe passage of packages along the conveyor, means including a lever adapted lto be actuated by the counter controlling actuation of the slide, a spindle, and means actuated by the spindle and controlled by the lever reciprocating the slide, =in combination with a chute into which the packages are l'fed by the slide,a second conveyor passing beneaththe chute, and a trip mounted upon the second conveyor for releasing the lever for movement linto position to cause reciprocation of the slide.' i

. 24. In an arrangement of the character described the combination of a conveyor including a tail sprocket, a slide mounted for-reciprocation across the conveyor, a chute adjacent a portion of the conveyor into which packages are delivered from the latter by the slide, a -second conveyor including a driven sprocket wheel beneath the chute, a shaftL onA which the latter is mounted, a spindle driven by rotation ofthe tail sprocket, a trip on said spindle, and means on said shaft actuated by said trip whereby the second'conveyor is advanced.

ANTON NOVOTN'Y. 

